Taught By God

"It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me."  John 6:45

At the Oregon Coast (1998)

Sometimes it's hard to be my teenager's "teacher".  There's something about teenagers that makes them think they know everything, and their parent knows nothing.  It's normal, I know, but there are things that Alyssa and Kyle need to learn.  (Of course, don't we all)?!  

I came across the above verse the other day in my quiet time and I just loved it, especially as I thought about my sometimes "strong-willed" children..."they will all be taught by God".  What a relief to know, that there are some things I can entrust Him to teach my children, especially when I feel unsuccessful.  Thank you, dear Jesus!

Oh that they will "listen to the Father"! 

Lord, you are our most precious Father, and I am in awe of your amazing wisdom, and that you impart it to your children.  I will continue praying that you fill Alyssa and Kyle with the knowledge of your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. With everything that I am, I pray that they will be sponges who soak up all the wisdom and knowledge you have for them, and be hearers and doers of your Word.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always have flexible spirits, tender minds, and open ears to the voice of their Savior.  Teach them, Jesus!

A Heavenly Bath

"Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”  2 Kings 5:10

 Lyss (1995)

Baths were always a fun time when our kids were little.  Bubbles, toys, and splashing were always a delight until it came time for the washing of the hair.  Oh the torture.  Often there would be tears, struggles, and gasps as the water fell over their heads.  

And don't you just love the smell of a freshly bathed baby.  I kind of miss those days.

 Kyle (1998)

Washing is sometimes not an easy task.  Check out the Old Testament for proof.  There were rules and tasks that had to happen for ceremonial cleansing.  Elisha told Naaman, a commander of the kings army who had leprosy, that he needed to wash himself in the Jordan river seven times.  Can you imagine telling your kid that they are going to have to bathe seven times in order to be clean?  I remember well the torture when baths needed to become a more common occurence than twice a week.  Oh my.

I'm thankful that God had a different plan for His people, and that internal cleansing comes just by asking Jesus to wash us clean!

Today, I am praying for Alyssa and Kyle to be sensitive to the sin that is present in their lives, and that their hearts tender towards asking their Heavenly Father for a good cleansing.  What joy that comes when we are "clean behind ears" and "sparkling from head to toe"... our heart included!

A heavenly bath!

"Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin."  Psalm 51:2

Dear Precious Savior, thank you for cleansing us from within, and making that cleansing available to each one of us.  I pray that you make Alyssa and Kyle sensitive to the sin in their lives and their true need for you.  Sin can quench your Holy Spirit from being heard and felt in their lives, but as they repent and seek you for forgiveness and cleansing, their hearts will be open and available to hear your still small voice.  Lord, wash away Alyssa and Kyle's iniquity and cleanse them from their sin.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for making us beautiful and presentable in your sight.  May Alyssa and Kyle be forever yours!

A Sweet Find

"God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’"  Acts 17:27-28

This week, on an outing to the mall, Lyss happened upon a $100 bill in the parking lot.  Lucky girl. A "small" treasure in the vast parking lot.  What are the odds?

Of course, the boys would say that they saw it at about the same time.  Lyss just was quicker to the draw...ha!

I have wondered several times, if I had been there walking with my family, would I have caught sight of it too?   She says she just saw it laying out in the open for anyone to find.

I love the fact that God, and His sweet salvation, is much like that $100 bill.

He is easy to find...
I pray that our kids "find" Him, wide out in the open, and hard to miss in their lives. 

He is a blessing when you get a hold of Him!
He's our strength, joy, hope, and salvation,
And that's just the beginning of the list of precious benefits!

Oh the best treasure in the world to find!
Even better than a $100 bill.

Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle find the absolute treasure of you and your salvation.  Be out in the wide open, around every corner, and visibly present every day of their lives in a way that they are fully aware of your power, your love and your salvation.  May Alyssa and Kyle know the sweetness of walking in relationship with you, dear Jesus, all the days of their lives. 

The Best Policy

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."  Luke 16:10-11

 

Every day my children have the opportunity to choose truth or lies.  In their schoolwork, in conversation with others, when they are left home alone, or as they are out and about with friends, I pray that honesty is always their first response. One moment of dishonesty can deteriorate trust in any relationship.  Telling a little white lie here or there, may be the easiest way to go to stay out of hot water, but in the end it really could cause great damage.

"Those who think it is permissible

to tell white lies 

soon grow color-blind." 

~Austin O'Malley

Honesty is vital for healthy relationships, successful careers, and a peace within themselves.  Some days, it will take much effort to choose being honest and truthful, but I don't believe my children will ever regret doing the better and right thing.

I pray that trust and honesty mark our children's lives...with every decision and in every day.

Lord, I pray that truth and honesty is always a part of the fabric of my children’s lives. Holy Spirit, guide and lead them into living lives that please you. May honesty be forever on Alyssa and Kyle's lips. May they choose honesty in the decisions they make, with the conversations they have, and in every action they take.  Give them the strength when it seems to be the hard thing to do, and peace when fear tempts them to walk the other way. Lord, I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will find your strength and help when they choose honesty, integrity, and truthfulness. May they always put their hope in you. Honesty is a trademark that I pray they wear with pride.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for hearing my prayer.

Thankful Thursday: Great Things!

"God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding." Job 37:5

God is always doing great things in our lives, so that we can be fully aware that He is present and active, and know that He loves us.

• Kyle finished his first semester of high school with some great grades!  I'm proud of how well he has adjusted to his new school.  He actually acts like he's having fun!  

• Lyssa's facebook status made me smile.  God does answer prayers!  For years, I have been praying that our girl would love school, and enjoy learning.  I'll take this as a little sign of God's work in her life!

• Lyss found a $100 bill  in the mall parking lot this week.  After a bit of searching for the owner, she shared part with her brother, bought her dad and brother a pretzel at the mall, and then came home with a Dutch Bros. coffee for me.  I felt blessed by her thoughtfulness...lucky girl.

• This may be a "funny" blessing, but I was given 2 dozen eggs at church this week, and was just truly grateful for my friend's generosity.  Silly, I know.

• Lyss had her Bible quiz meet cancelled due to the snow (thank you, Lord for her protection), and in place of the 10 hour trip, her quiz team went bowling together for the afternoon.   I have to admit that I was surprised she went AND she bowled.  Her least favorite thing in the world.  I'm so glad she was willing to go out and do something she doesn't normally do...and enjoy it!

Lord, I'm so thankful for the many great things you do in our lives.  I love the marvelous ways your voice thunders in tenderness to your children.  It's those things, big or small, they bring me joy on the hard days.  I pray that Alyssa and Kyle become aware of the mighty things you are doing in their lives, and they are reminded to declare your praise.  Thank you for their growth, for protecting them, and for continuing to teach them your ways.  May they always live with you as the center of their lives.  Thank you, Lord, for your mighty blessings.